My group fitness teaching career (back then was just a hobby and it was called “aerobics”) started at my sister’s gym in 1996. For 7 years I taught there until I moved to London to learn english and travel. I thought I would not teach group fitness classes because my certifications were from the USA and Mexico, and not from the UK, and my English was not great! Deep inside was my lack of confidence.
I however enrolled in a gym called “Soho gym” and started going because I missed group fitness and to help me stay fit. Shortly after that an instructor tapped me on the shoulder and asked me if I was an instructor, and I said yes, BUT in Mexico, not in London. He was eager to help me find classes, and so he asked me for my CV, and recommended me around.
I started to get calls to cover classes, I was terrified but I said YES. I knew I had to! I could not waste the opportunity. I went from covering classes, to taking on permanent classes, to becoming a group fitness manager for David Lloyd Kengsinton.
I must confess none of the above was my plan, but deep inside it was like a dream coming true teaching classes overseas. So incredibly grateful for that instructor that believed in me, and barely knew me.
Fast forward to moving to New Zealand in 2008, I did not know anyone but my husband. So I had to start somewhere…. Again. I decided to join group fitness classes at Pro-Fitness, and the Christchurch City Council as well as Les Mills to get an idea for the market here. I went where I could! It was the best decision as I happened to attend the classes of group fitness managers Lianne from Pro-Fitness Moorhouse and Erin from QEII.
They both offered me an interview and landed classes with them. I wanted to teach ZUMBA but the program was not known in New Zealand then, so with the encouragement of my husband I started looking for places where I could teach ZUMBA on my own. My first time ever going solo, outside the 4 walls of a gym! It was daunting but it was exciting.
I hired a dance studio, then a ballet studio, then a church hall. I had group fitness classes in 4 different locations at one point, all while still working for gyms teaching different group fitness class formats.
Off we went to Sydney, my husband and I moved there in 2010. Start again! This time I was so busy teaching instructor trainings that I had no time to run my own business teaching classes, so thanks to having connections in the fitness industry I got offered a job teaching classes at Crunch Fitness (previously called “V” club) and Fitness First Chatswood. Later I joined my local aquatic centre in Hornsby and Virgin Active Norwest.
After 9 years in Sydney, we decided to move back to New Zealand in 2019, yes another move! But this time I think it is for good, but never say never! With my previous relationships with the Christchurch City Council I managed to get an interview to work there again, which was great. I also started going to my local aquatic centre in Rolleston, I met the manager and got offered one aqua fitness class, now I am teaching 4 classes there!
Something inside of me said, “you are not travelling much since the pandemic started, you should open your own ZUMBA class again, like I did 10 years ago” but left it there. It was not until people that knew me from teaching group fitness classes at the council, started asking me for a ZUMBA class. That's when I went ahead and did it. The demand was there, and that was the kick in the butt that I needed!
What is my thought process when starting “my own movement”
I always have a to-do list, not so much a business plan. So if you are like me and you want a to-do list this is what you will need:
Now, let's say you get the place, wooohooo! Exciting. Now time to market your class!
This is what I did when I started “my own movement” in New Zealand back in 2008:
The take away from my experience is:
Maria Teresa Stone
My Group Move co-founder
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